The Delhi government has requested the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to temporarily suspend the fuel ban on End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles, citing lack of infrastructure and growing public discomfort over the sudden implementation of the rule.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, while addressing the media recently, announced that the government has formally asked CAQM to suspend its order temporarily, which restricts fuel stations from supplying petrol or diesel to End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles meaning petrol cars over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old.
No Impounding of Old Vehicles in Delhi, Assures Minister
In a key reassurance to vehicle owners, the minister stated that no old vehicle would be impounded arbitrarily in the city.
“Residents are already facing challenges due to this directive. The Chief Minister has assured that action will not be taken without proper systems in place,” Sirsa said.
Delhi Lacks Infrastructure to Enforce Ban
The Delhi government made it clear that it currently lacks the necessary tools and coordination to implement CAQM’s fuel ban directive efficiently. Issues such as non-functional ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, faulty loudspeakers, and lack of real-time vehicle tracking were highlighted as major concerns.
Sirsa also pointed out a loophole many vehicle owners have started refueling their old vehicles in nearby cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, where such restrictions are not in place, making Delhi’s effort ineffective and inconvenient.
Minister’s Letter to CAQM Highlights Urgent Issues
The environment minister’s official communication to CAQM requested that Direction No. 89 which enforces the fuel ban be suspended until ANPR systems are seamlessly integrated across the entire NCR region.
He further emphasized that without a centralized and updated vehicle data system, many citizens are not aware that their vehicles fall under the EOL category, making the sudden ban unfair and chaotic.
Quick Summary:
- Delhi Government Requests Suspension of Fuel Ban on End-of-Life Vehicles.
- Old petrol (>15 yrs) and diesel (>10 yrs) vehicles affected
- No impounding of vehicles for now, confirms Minister
- Infrastructure issues cited: non-working ANPR, loudspeakers
- Letter sent to CAQM requesting delay in implementation